Mississippi’s Secretary of State pitched his “Tackle the Tape” initiative

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Mississippi’s Secretary of State has a plan to reel in regulations. Michael Watson was in Columbus today to pitch his “Tackle the Tape” initiative. His office, with help from several partner agencies, will be reviewing the state’s regulatory code. Watson feels that the 100,000 plus regulations add up to too much red tape. This year he…

Investigators trying to determine what caused deadly house fire

AMORY, Miss. (WCBI) – Investigators are still trying to determine what sparked a deadly fire in Amory this morning. Firemen were called to Front Street South at about 3:30 AM. Monroe County Coroner Alan Gurley says 60-year-old Phillip McDonald died at the scene. Firefighters found McDonald inside the house. Gurley says McDonald died from smoke inhalation. The Amory Fire Department…

Record-high fertilizer prices likely mean small crops for farmers across Mississippi in 2022

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The Mississippi State Extension Service recently released a study on how farmers across the Magnolia State must adjust to fertilizer prices going up to almost triple the cost. “Mississippi is such an agricultural state,” says Jeff Hays, a long-time member of the farm supply business. “Anytime you see our production drop, it goes everywhere. From your…

SOCSD Superintendent Dr. Eddie Peasant is retiring

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – After 30 years in public school education, Starkville Oktibbeha School District Superintendent Dr. Eddie Peasant is retiring. Doctor Peasant has informed the Board of Trustees that he will retire on June 30th. Under Peasant’s leadership, the school district has completed the construction of Partnership Middle School on the campus of Mississippi State University. The district has…

MSDH reporting 8,460 new COVID-19 cases and 48 deaths

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) – Mississippi’s COVID numbers may not be record-breaking on Wednesday, but they do remain high. The State Department of Health is reporting 8,460 new cases today, and 48 deaths. 39 of those deaths were between Friday and Tuesday; the other 9 were from late last year and identified after death certificates were issued. Even though there tend…

Columbus City Council searching to hire a lobbyist

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The Columbus City Council is looking for a louder voice in Jackson. The Council has voted to explore the possibility of hiring a lobbyist to bring the needs of the city to the attention of state lawmakers. Mayor Keith Gaskin says he likes the idea of having someone in Jackson who is focused on getting results…

Mississippi Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner wants to involve pharmacy board in overseeing medical marijuana

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson says he is taking steps to prepare for his potential role overseeing medical marijuana in the state. “I’ve been in contact with regulators and commissioners around all 50 states where there is a medical marijuana program,” he says. Thursday, the Mississippi Senate approved a bill allowing someone with…

Local community members work together to collect food donations

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Children go to bed hungry. In some families, there’s just not enough to go around. And, it happens in our own neighborhoods. The need for assistance is almost overwhelming. Food pantries empty almost as soon as volunteers fill them. “Can you imagine being 7 years old and going to bed hungry can you imagine a…

Lee County Youth Court program could expand statewide

Program seeks to keep kids out of foster care and keep families intact

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – A Lee County Youth Court program whose goal is to keep kids out of foster care is selected as a pilot program for the state. “I don’t want to be an adoption agency, we want to reunite families, that is the whole goal of this court,” said Lee County Youth Court Judge Stacy Bevill. When  Bevill…